in the hell of the Ukrainian counter-offensive

It is a secret place, in the region of Bakhmout (Ukraine), which must at all costs remain unknown to Russian troops. We are at the so-called stabilization point, barely 10 km from the front line. It is here that the wounded are brought first, to this improvised but well-equipped clinic, before eventually being transferred to the hospital. It is an incessant ballet of cripples, victims of trench warfare. According to the doctor, the number of wounded has increased significantly since the start of the counter-offensive a month ago.

Every square meter is the subject of a fierce battle

But rank and file soldiers have a hard time seeing the difference. “They shoot from everywhere, it’s war”, drops one of them. In the east of the country and around Bakhmout in particular, the Ukrainian army has regained the initiative. The progress is real but modest.

Young soldiers of the assault unit of the 80^e brigade are among those who have taken over small pieces of territory. They returned from their mission last week, with fewer fighters, wounded in action. These soldiers are sent to the front line. Their role: to take back the enemy positions one after the other. In eastern Ukraine, and especially in this region around Bakhmout, every square meter is the subject of fierce battle. Admittedly, the Ukrainian army has regained the initiative, it is progressing, but it is progressing slowly.